Important: This destination may have COVID-19 travel restrictions in place, including specific restrictions for lodging. Check any national, local, and health advisories for this destination before you book.

PattayaThailand

Visit Pattaya

A kaleidoscope of neon and racy nightlife, Thailand’s second most-visited city has softened its image, drawing more couples and families to its beaches.

Situated 93-miles (150-kilometers) southeast of Bangkok, Pattaya has long been thought of as a kind of naughty little sister to the Thai capital. The massage parlors, go-go bars and late-night discos have been the main draw since the 1960s, when American servicemen stationed in Vietnam came here to let off some steam. There can be no denying that this after-hours culture is still very much a part of life in Pattaya as a stroll down Walking Street after dusk will attest. However, recent attempts by authorities to make it a more well-rounded travel destination have seen a more sophisticated side to this city emerge.

Blessed with a chain of gorgeous, curving beaches, the city offers plenty to the tourist looking for some quality beach-side rest and recreation. Stake out your place in the sun from the sea of sun lounges on Pattaya Beach. Rent a Jet Ski, take to the sky by parasailing or book a dive or snorkeling trip to the nearby Kho Larn Island. Alternatively, settle back with a good book at one of the more serene stretches of sand nearby. Dongtan Beach and Crescent Moon Beach provide a couple of havens where you can escape the crowds and beach vendors.

Climb aboard an elephant for a jungle safari at the Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary, an ecologically sound center with a focus on education and rehabilitation. Another must-do is the spectacular Sanctuary of Truth, a hand-carved, wooden complex which integrates the symbolism from Asia’s main four religions using traditional Thai artisanal techniques. If you’re looking for souvenirs, then take a wander around the Pattaya Floating Market, where you’ll find handicrafts and cuisine from each of the four main regions of Thailand.

Traffic can be chaotic and may intimidate the first time visitor. Confident drivers can rent a car, jeep or moped to get around. Otherwise, hail one of the songthaews, or Baht Buses (shared taxis), which run a number of set routes throughout the city. Prices are the same for locals and tourists, and with lots of them cruising the city streets, wait times are never long. The streets also teem with taxis and motorbike taxis, so getting around is never a problem.

Where to stay in Pattaya

South Pattaya

4/5Very Good!(69 area reviews)

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to South Pattaya. A stop by Walking Street or Jomtien Beach might round out your trip.

Central Pattaya

4/5Very Good!(255 area reviews)

Are you interested in stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife and popular shops? A visit to Central Pattaya might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Central Festival Pattaya and Pattaya Beach Road.

Pattaya Bay

4.5/5Wonderful!(309 area reviews)

Are you interested in stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife and popular shops? A visit to Pattaya Bay might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Pattaya Beach and Pattaya Beach Road.

This Na Chom Thian hotel is on the beach, 5.3 mi (8.5 km) from Jomtien Beach, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Pattaya Floating Market and Ripley's Believe It or ...…This Na Chom Thian hotel is on the beach, 5.3 mi (8.5 km) from Jomtien Beach, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Pattaya Floating Market and Ripley's Believe It or ...WWW…

4.3/5Excellent! (182 reviews)

"I found lots of ants in my closet and I asked the staff to clean up but it didn’t work. He killed a ant on my T shirt. I had to throw it away. I couldn’t sleep the last night."…""I found lots of ants in my closet and I asked the staff to clean up but it didn’t work. He killed a ant on my T shirt. I had to throw it away. I couldn’t sleep the last night."WWW…"

Located in North Pattaya, this beachfront resort is in the city centre and within 1 mi (2 km) of Art in Paradise and CentralMarina. Central Festival Pattaya ...…Located in North Pattaya, this beachfront resort is in the city centre and within 1 mi (2 km) of Art in Paradise and CentralMarina. Central Festival Pattaya ...WWW…

4.3/5Excellent! (998 reviews)

"This place located in very good atmosphere. Nice staffs and the club benefits was very satisfied, I truly love the view from 24th floor. Will back there to stay in another room type for sure."…""This place located in very good atmosphere. Nice staffs and the club benefits was very satisfied, I truly love the view from 24th floor. Will back there to stay in another room type for sure."WWW…"

This family-friendly Pattaya hotel is located near the beach, within a 15-minute walk of Walking Street, Pattaya Beach Road and Pattaya Beach. Ripley's Believe ...…This family-friendly Pattaya hotel is located near the beach, within a 15-minute walk of Walking Street, Pattaya Beach Road and Pattaya Beach. Ripley's Believe ...WWW…

3.2/5 (37 reviews)

"Loved the concept of serving Beers/ wine as drinks on arrival never saw it any other hotel in Asia. Beautiful pool and cheap drinks by the bar. Fah at Breakfast was very helpful and smiling , they offer Select Guests choice of additional dishes from Breakfast menu. Turn down service with chocolates ..."…""Loved the concept of serving Beers/ wine as drinks on arrival never saw it any other hotel in Asia. Beautiful pool and cheap drinks by the bar. Fah at Breakfast was very helpful and smiling , they offer Select Guests choice of additional dishes from Breakfast menu. Turn down service with chocolates ..."WWW…"

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

24 Mar 2020

I've been many times before it was a shame that this corona virus has spread so bad causing lots of places to close but its for our own health purposes so hopefully when its all been sorted it'll be business as usual.....

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

20 Mar 2020

Pattaya is liveiy and friendly with a good range of places to eat and lots of people that want to meet you to help make your stay more enjoyable... 

5/5 - Excellent

Terry

4 Mar 2020

Always have a relaxing time in Pattaya and Jomtien. Plenty to do and great food. The Sky Gallery restaurant is my favourite place to eat. We go at sunset and it is a magical setting, my wife and I enjoy it immensley.